Overcome Chronic Headaches and Jaw Pain with TMJ Pain Treatment

TMJ disorder (TMD) occurs when your teeth and jaws aren’t well-aligned, causing chronic headaches, jaw pain, and other discomforts. If you suffer from TMJ-related pain or bite issues, Olmos Park Dental can help. As a skilled professional in dental and facial anatomy, Dr. Brandi Lindsey can identify the root cause of your problems and create a personalized treatment plan to restore your quality of life without pain. Whether you have been suffering from TMJ pain for months or years, visit our San Antonio, Texas, office for pain relief.

What is TMJ pain?

Everyone has two joints on either side of the face, known as the temporomandibular joints (TMJs). You can confirm their presence by placing your fingers just in front of your ears. Open and close your mouth, and you can feel the subtle joint movement beneath your fingertips. TMJs connect your jawbone to your skull, allowing the jaw to move smoothly when you speak, chew, or yawn.

When the TMJs are strained, injured, or misaligned, this can cause several undesirable symptoms. Some include:

  • Jaw pain or soreness
  • Popping or clicking sounds when you open or close your jaw
  • Locked jaws
  • Painful chewing and biting
  • Constant headaches
  • Pain in the neck, shoulders, or ears
  • Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
  • Vertigo/dizziness

TMJ pain has been linked to several causes but most often relates to the teeth, jaw joints, nerves, and the surrounding musculature. When the TMJ isn’t properly seated, it usually creates tension in the joint itself and nearby structures, causing pain. Triggers like teeth grinding, stress, trauma, and bite misalignment can contribute to TMJ dysfunction and pain.

How is TMJ pain diagnosed?

Proper diagnosis for TMJ pain with a qualified dentist is crucial because the symptoms often mimic other conditions, such as ear infections, sinus issues, or migraines. Since the TMJs are closely connected to surrounding muscles, nerves, and tissues, discomfort around the jaw can radiate to the head, neck, or ears, making it challenging to identify the root cause without a thorough examination. Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis can lead to prolonged pain and ineffective treatment.

A comprehensive evaluation by Dr. Lindsey will help pinpoint whether TMJ dysfunction is the actual cause of your symptoms and develop an appropriate treatment plan. The dentist physically examines your jaw joints to determine their range of motion and any presence of tenderness. Digital scans and x-rays may also detect any structural abnormalities. We can also use a T-Scan to analyze your bite (occlusion) by measuring the force and timing of your teeth when you bite.

How is TMJ pain treated?

Dr. Lindsey uses a non-surgical approach to TMD treatment. Depending on the cause, she may recommend orthopedics, Botox, jaw rehabilitation, and lifestyle changes. Very rarely will your treatment require surgery. Although there is no one-size-fits-all treatment for TMJ pain, Dr. Lindsey will work with you until you achieve a pain-free lifestyle.

Do you need TMJ pain treatment?

Do you have constant headaches or jaw pain? Don’t muscle through pain or become dependent on pain relievers. Instead, call (210) 767-3525 to schedule an appointment with Olmos Park Dental. Before long, you will be living a lifestyle free from pain.